The City of Kamloops is moving to try to make it easier for shoppers to buy locally downtown during the holidays.

City Council has authorized a move to eliminate parking fees on Saturdays through December.

The plan, pitched by the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association, was also endorsed by the city’s External Relations Liaison Sarah Candido.

“Offering free, on street parking downtown on weekends shows support of small business and also supports weekend downtown events such as the December 10, Winter Block Party.”

While there was some discussion about whether this move could be made in other locations, ultimately City Council decided to approve only the free parking on Saturdays through next month.

“Other places to shop in Kamloops offer free parking year round, so providing free parking downtown for December will help even the playing field for downtown businesses,” added Candido.

The move will cost the city around $20,000 in parking revenues.